WTVD-TV reported that more than 100 people packed the sanctuary of the Spring Hill United methodist Church Monday Night for a community meeting on crime. There has been an explosion of violence and crime in the area, especially in the last few weeks.

Sheriff Larry Rollins told the crowd that the violence is fueled by gangs and drugs. He urged everyone to protect themselves, saying he doesn’t go anywhere without a gun.

“When I am out with my family, even though I am a cop, I don’t go anywhere without a gun,” Rollins told the crowd. “I mean it’s sad we have to have that attitude, but I am going to protect myself and my family. I want my deputies at your house just as fast as they can when you got a problem, but you better be able to take care of business until we get there if you have to protect your family.”

This part of the county’s landscape of rural life is quickly giving way to a population boom, and residents are worried. Several residents said they are afraid to leave their homes — afraid of the growing violence.

One resident said she goes to church, and prays but is still afraid. It’s a sentiment shared by other families as well.

“I think they are working hard trying to get solutions, for us which comforts us a little bit, but still, knowing it’s out there and knowing it happens every day, still doesn’t make you feel safe,” said resident Jamie Salmon.

Several speakers urged the residents to call deputies if they see something suspicious, and to keep a sharp eye out for themselves and their neighbors.

26 comments

here's your sign

FaithC

What Sheriff Larry Rollins said is right. What he left out was that this state gives these criminals a slap on the wrist when they are caught committing a crime. They know they will not face any real punishment. Bing back chain gangs and work the street scum 12 hours a day while in jail.

That is not an accurate statement. Take a look at our sentencing grid for NC. It’s not the punishment of the crime that’s the problem. These criminals don’t care about going to prison. They are gang bangers, probably do just as good in there as they do in society. Our justice system is fine and our police force do a good job. The point is that crime is still on the rise and people should take measures to protect themselves and there families. You don’t have to be “that person that blames the state laws, police, or anything of that nature.

Joe

He is so right, I would have to bet that these gangs are n]made up of illegals and the problem will only get worse. I have my CCL but I need to carry more just in case, I would rather have my gun and not need it than not have it and need it. Deport all illegals before this problem reaches a tipping point and nothing can be done.

Linda

KG

There should not be any reason bereavement counseling would exempt you from ownership or even CCW. That information is HIPAA protected. A good litmus test is to apply for your handgun permit. If you can get a permit from your sheriff, you can get a CCW.

Handgun permit? What country do you live in? In Maine, at least, buying, selling, and open carry of handguns and long guns is still protected by the Second Amendment and by the Maine Constitution which states that the right to keep and bear arms “shall not be questioned”. Concealed carry supposedly requires a permit, but is not much questioned either.

Darryl Sundstrom

David, in NC you have to be 21, pass a criminal and mental background check to get a handgun permit from your local Sheriff. The first Rep led Legislature in 100 years did a lot to bring common sense back to gun ownership, but did not get that one overturned.

BigFED

“…I don’t go anywhere without a gun…” says the sheriff. Well, well, well! First of all, neither did I when I was a cop and I was just a deputy, not THE sheriff! And, secondly, I STILL don’t go ANYWHERE without a gun though that was about 40 years ago!

Off Duty

Up here in New York, along with a few other North-East states, we have governors who are actively dis-arming law abiding citizens with “bold initiatives” like NY’s “safe-act”.
Criminals all agree…..
New York’s “safe-act”
has made THEM safer.

Left NY

Mike Gunter

It is people control the dumocrats want. NOT gun control. But that is the only way they can get it. They can’t get gun control passed so now they have gone to importing illegals to get the votes. Sad isn’t it. Yet people still vote for these morons and RINO’s. The T taxed E enough A already is our only hope. People who live their life for God, Country and Family. Join today unless you don’t work and suck off the tax payer.

You cannot lump every person who doesnt work as an anti american lazy b-stard. I am disabled and worked all my life until illness took everything from me. I dont get foodstamps or any other of the social service problems. I get help with medications because otherwise I’d have to fork out thousands a month which I dont have. I could get an obama phone but choose not to do it. I dont want to take anymore from the government or people than I have to do. I do not vote democrat or liberal well…because I have a brain. I put my country before myself which most people dont anymore. I do NOT want the government interfering in my life anymore than I have to allow them and even that is too much.

Alpha

“…population boom…”, yeah, of illegal aliens with their crime culture and diseases overrunning out borders. And it’s only gonna get worse until we close the border and end immigration altogether. Save America!

stuG

Gang bangers account for 75% of all firearms deaths. Why don’t the gun control folks work on that issue? Oh wait, the FBI reports them as “people of color with 65% being black.” Obama wanted to address that issue but was discouraged from doing so by Jesse Jackson. Politically Correctness wins again.

capers2

L

I cringe with every read of these laws, and seeing illegals with felony convictions riding around in Lexus, gold hanging off them and 3 cell phones!
yet when people born, raised and working in this country need help they somehow “dont qualify”
in ’85 I was told I would NEVER do productive work again, to go on disability or find a desk job.
instead i have worked 40-70 hrs a week at whatever job i can find, and when we tried to get help JUST FOR THE WIFES MEDS, we were told we didnt qualify because i made $1.30 too much a month !?

BTW
here in Pa, you fill out the 4473, do the call in ncis and walk out with your handgun or rifle.
ccl is again fill out the form, pay your $17, photo and walk out with it good for 5 yrs.
have had mine since ’81 and carry nearly everywhere but on the job, because half the time i have to go to the commie states of Jersy , MD and Del.